Add this to My Bucket List

Archaeological Museum

must visit Category: Attractions

Inception and Growth:

  • Founded in 1960, the Archaeological Museum of Paros initially found its home in a large hall next to the High School. Over the years, expansions and additions have been made to accommodate the growing collection of antiquities. The museum’s purpose is to preserve and showcase Paros’s rich archaeological heritage.

Collections and Exhibits:

  1. Room A – Archaic and Classical Sculpture: This section houses sculptures dating from the Archaic and Classical periods. A notable exhibit is the marble statue of Gorgo, an intact piece discovered in 1993 within an ancient public building in Paroikia.
  2. Room B – Neolithic to Roman Period: This room features pottery, sculpture, and small finds spanning from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. Highlights include the colossal marble statue of Artemis from the Delion of Paros and a marble statue of Nike from the Kastro of Paroikia.
  3. Atrium – Roman Period Treasures: The atrium hosts sculptures, architectural parts, urns, and a mosaic floor from the Roman period. Among the significant exhibits is a marble relief plaque from the Archilochos Monument, depicting the poet Archilochos on his death couch.

Key Artifacts:

  1. Marble Statue of Gorgo: A central acroterion of a temple, dating back to the mid-6th century BC.
  2. Colossal Marble Statue of Artemis: Found in the Delion of Paros, this Archaic kore wearing a chiton dates from 480-490 BC.
  3. Marble Statue of Nike: Discovered in the Kastro of Paroikia and dated to 470 BC, missing the head, arms, and wings.
  4. Marble Statue of an Enthroned Goddess: Unearthed by Loewy at Angeria of Paros in 1885, the head and arms are missing (preserved height 1.57m).
  5. The Parian Chronicle: A significant historical artifact inscribed in 264 BC, offering insights into Greek history and culture over 1,318 years.
  6. Archaic Capital from the Archilochos Monument: An Ionic capital with an inscription from the 4th century BC.
  7. Neolithic Female Figurine: Found on the islet of Saliagos, depicting a seated woman with crossed legs.

Preserving Paros’s Heritage:

  • The Archaeological Museum of Paros stands as a custodian of Paros’s historical treasures, inviting visitors on a captivating journey through time.